Founded in 1944 by Frank Bashor, Bashor's has become a Portland fixture over the last 65+ years. Although Bashor's is no longer owned by the Bashor's family, we are proud of who we are, and our founder. Below you'll find a little information about our founder Frank.
A little about Frank and the Oregon JBO:
Junior Baseball Organization, Inc (JBO) got its start about 1948 when Frank Bashor
got together a six-team league of 11-12 year olds from the Metropolitan area. In 1951, the
program became known as the Baseball Association of Oregon and continued to grow in
the Portland fringe areas. By the late 50s the essence of Junior Baseball of Oregon was
developed by Frank Bashor. This early program revolved around todays Federal level and
expanded to include ages 9 through 16 year olds.
After Frank Bashors death, Dean Gray, who worked for Frank, continued the
program. In 1965, the Cubs program was merged with the Oregon Junior Baseball
Association, a more statewide organization extending from Medford to Portland. By the
late 60s the Midget, Junior and Senior programs had grown to 350 teams in four districts. Throughout the 70s and 80s the program continued to expand and included areas outside the Metro area.
In 1975, Junior Baseball of Oregon formalized as we know it today, with the
publication of the first Baseball Association of Oregon Handbook. In 1977 the name
officially became Junior Baseball Association of Oregon. In 1987 the first State
Tournaments were held for the American and National levels. Also, in 1987 the Cubs
program was revived to provide more opportunities for 15 and 16 year olds to continue
playing organized baseball. In 1998 the name was shortened to Junior Baseball of
Oregon. By 1999 Junior Baseball had grown to 484 teams from Roseburg to Portland and
Tillamook to Bend. The State Tournaments at the National and American levels were
expanded to twelve teams.
Today Junior Baseball Organization, Inc. continues Frank Bashors intention to provide a framework for youth to develop and refine their basic baseball skills within a team oriented environment, the program stresses continuity in age grouping for boys and girls ages 9 through 16, continuity in progression of age development and playing distances, competition at equal levels of ability and emphasis on the complete game of baseball (leading off, stealing, etc.). The program revolves around local associations creating a local program for local needs within the framework of a baseball program. And best of all, when it comes to playoff time, a team goes as a unit, without the heartbreaking and sometimes unjust all-star selection process.
This tradition is continued today through JBOs name change to Junior Baseball
Organization and Junior Baseballs expansion to areas outside the State of Oregon to
further bring the JBO program to youth ages 9 through 16.
Information provided by the JBO 2010 Handbook
